'Same As T20 World Cup': Virat Kohli's Ex-Teammate Predicts India Vs South Africa Final In Champions Trophy
India and South Africa clashed in the final of the T20 World Cup last year where Rohit Sharma's men emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish.
The Champions Trophy 2025 has seen the same four semifinalists – India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa – as the 2023 ODI World Cup. All four teams are former winners of the competition and will be eager to add another ICC title to their trophy cabinet.
In the first semifinal on Tuesday, India will face Australia while in the second, South Africa lock horns with New Zealand a day later.
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South Africa batting great AB de Villiers‘ feels the two teams that will progress to the title clash will be the same as the T20 World Cup last year.
India defeated South Africa in a pulsating final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“It’s tough to say (the two finalists of Champions Trophy) but my gut feel says India-South Africa – same as the T20 World Cup final," De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
“I think we might see that happen again. I think we are going to see South Africa in the final. The win against England would have given South Africa a lot of confidence," he added.
South Africa qualified for the last-four stage after winning two matches of the group stage with one being abandoned due to bad weather. They defeated Afghanistan and England while their highly-anticipated clash with Australia was a complete washout.
De Villiers is impressed with South Africa’s performance in the ongoing competition.
“I just like the look of the team. Marco Jansen in great form, the likes of Klaasen in form, Rassie van der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj. I love the look of Wiaan Mulder – very handy allrounder. It will be nice to get that final again. I think it’s always a great final to watch India and South Africa," he said.
“But you definitely can’t count out New Zealand and Australia – two powerhouse teams. Especially, the Aussies, when it comes to ICC trophies, they always seem to knock on the door," he concluded.
For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!
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